The sometimes violent protests in Ferguson , Missouri , and the law enforcement response has sparked a debate about what some call the `` militarization of police , '' after armored vehicles , stun grenades and high-tech weaponry were brought in to calm the violence .

Some of the equipment may be military surplus that came from the federal government through a program from the Defense Department 's Defense Logistics Agency , which provides military equipment to local police departments across the country .

The DLA 's law enforcement support program was created in 1999 . `` This is a program legislated by Congress which allows the secretary to transfer some excess military property to local law enforcements , '' said Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby on Tuesday .

Kirby said since 2007 the Ferguson Police Department has received two Humvees , one generator , and one cargo trailer . Over the same time period , the St. Louis County Police Department received six pistols , 12 rifles , 15 weapon sites , an explosives disposal robot , three helicopters , seven Humvees -LRB- two used by Ferguson Police -RRB- , and two night-vision devices .

`` It 's still up to local law enforcement to determine how and when and where and under what circumstances they use excess military equipment , '' said Kirby , but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel `` has been mindful of the public debate and discussion about this issue and asked his staff this morning about some additional information about this program . ''

According to Kirby , Hagel has received an information paper with more details on the program , but has yet to order a formal review . Hagel wants a better understanding of the law and regulations governing the transfer program and what parts of that program are the responsibility of the Defense Department .

The program has been in place for several years with little controversy and attention , but has grabbed the national spotlight with the unrest in Ferguson , where police have used what looks like tactical military gear and vehicles , although it 's not clear what equipment may have actually come from Pentagon inventories .

Complete coverage on Ferguson shooting and protests

Pentagon officials say a key issue for the department is the fact that once the equipment is transferred , the military has no control over how a local agency uses it .

Many police departments also get funding for military-style equipment from Homeland Security and the Justice Department , which operate programs aimed at beefing up police capability in the event of a terrorist attack .

President Barack Obama called for a review of the program on Monday . `` I think it 's probably useful for to us review how the funding has gone , how local law enforcement has used grant dollars to make sure that what they are purchasing is stuff that they actually need . Because there is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement and we do n't want those lines blurred , that would be contrary to our traditions and I think that there will be some bipartisan interest in reexamining some of those programs . ''

Sen. Carl Levin , D-Michigan , chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee , said his committee would `` review this program to determine if equipment provided by the Defense Department is being used as intended . ''

Magazine : The Aftermath in Ferguson

Read more about the flash point in the Heartland at CNN.com / US

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Ferguson and St. Louis PD received military surplus

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Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel wants to know more about the program

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Some are alarmed at what is seen as the `` militarization of police '' in Ferguson

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Many police departments get U.S. military surplus or funds to buy equipment